Galway Bay fm newsroom - Galway County Councillors have voted unanimously in favour of continuing contacts and negotiations with a film production company that wants to go into business at the Galway Airport site in Carnmore.
However, a substantial number of Councillors insisted that arrangements would have to be made with the Galway Flying Club so that the Club could continue using the facilities at the Airport location.
There was broad support from Councillors for the plan by the Danú company from Spiddal to set up in Carnmore. Galway City Council have previously backed the project.
Councillor P.J. Murphy was among those who said that the Connemara Gaeltacht is a good example of what can be achieved in film and television production. Karey McHugh said the project could give Galway natives trained in media and film an option to work at home.
Councillor Jim Cuddy said the Galway Flying Club facilities had to be protected in Carnmore and added that a masterplan for the site is needed.
Councillor Declan Geraghty warned against abandoning the aeronautic facilites at Carnmore like railway lines were abandoned in the past.
Director of Services, Liam Hanrahan, said that the basic airport infrastructure would not be lost and that Councillors would be further advised about the ongoing negotiation in the coming months.
The initial investment - if a lease is signed with Danú - is put at €3m. with support from Údarás na Gaeltachta and the Western Development Commission included.
